A yet-to-be-confirmed number of people are feared dead after suspected Lakurawa terrorists carried out attacks on several rural communities in the Arewa Local Government Area on Wednesday.

According to local and security sources, the gunmen stormed villages in the remote border district, opening fire on residents in what survivors described as highly organised and indiscriminate assaults.

Breakdowns from security sources indicate that 16 people were killed in Mamunu, five in Awashaka, three in Masama, while two people each lost their lives in five other affected villages.

The attacks triggered panic, forcing many residents to flee their homes as the assailants stormed homes and shot at civilians.

Security operatives have since been deployed to the area to secure the communities, assist survivors, and block possible escape routes for the attackers. Tracking operations are also ongoing.

Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, said further details would be provided as investigations continue.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The decision was reached during Thursday’s sitting after the impeachment process became entangled in legal and political challenges, which stalled further action pending the outcome of ongoing court cases and consultations.

Recall that the state assembly members, in January, initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct.

During the plenary presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Majority Leader Major Jack presented a notice citing seven allegations against Fubara under Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution.

The accusations included demolishing the Assembly complex, engaging in extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission and disobeying a Supreme Court ruling on the legislature’s financial autonomy.

Twenty-six lawmakers signed the notice, which was to be forwarded to the governor. Deputy Leader Linda Stewart also submitted allegations against Odu, accusing her of unconstitutional expenditure, obstructing the Assembly’s work, approving budgets through unauthorised channels and withholding salaries and allowances.

The impeachment push, which began in early January 2026, soon encountered judicial obstacles.

Rivers State Chief Judge, Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, declined the Assembly’s request to constitute the constitutionally required seven-member investigative panel, citing a subsisting interim injunction issued by the Rivers State High Court.

The restraining order, granted on January 16, 2026, by Justice Florence A. Fiberesima, barred the Chief Judge, the Speaker and the Clerk from taking further steps on the impeachment, following suits filed by the governor and his deputy challenging the legality of the process.

Meanwhile, Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also rejected the impeachment process, describing the move as “destabilising and unnecessary.” The move also drew reactions from several political quarters and Nigerians.

Last week, the President reportedly engaged in a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa with Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the governor’s political godfather. Fubara was said to have also accompanied Wike to his residence in Guzape, Abuja.

Wike later confirmed the meeting with Fubara and disclosed that it was initiated by the President in a renewed effort to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State.

According to him, the meeting was held on February 9. Wike said the President stepped in to broker peace between the governor and the state lawmakers.

Expressing appreciation for Tinubu’s intervention, Wike voiced optimism that the move would bring lasting peace. He noted that it was the second time the President had intervened in the dispute and expressed “hope it would be the last.”

The talks came shortly after a third impeachment notice was issued against Fubara by lawmakers believed to be loyal to Wike.

Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen have killed Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledon, the traditional ruler of Agamo community, in Akure north LGA of Ondo state.

According to reports, the assailants invaded the monarch’s palace on Wednesday night and forcibly took him away.

Minutes later, Faledon was found with gunshot injuries at a location very close to his residence.

Jimoh Abayomi, the Ondo police spokesperson, said the traditional leader was confirmed dead at the scene of the incident.

Abayomi shared that a community representative contacted the police shortly after the attack.

The police said the command has launched an investigation in a bid to arrest the perpetrators.

“Information reached the division at about 7:50pm from a community leader, High Chief Ajewole Clement of New Town, Itaogbolu, that about six armed men stormed the residence of the monarch and forcibly took him away,” Abayomi said.

“The victim was subsequently found with gunshot injuries and was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The divisional police officer supported by tactical teams of the command, mobilised officers in collaboration with local hunters, Atuluse Security, and Amotekun operatives are combing the surrounding bushes and neighbouring communities.

“Efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Monitoring activities have also been strengthened to ensure the safety of residents and prevent a breakdown of law and order.”